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Linguistics Major, B.A.

Bachelor
of Arts

When you study linguistics, you are examining one of the most remarkable aspects of the human experience: language.

As an MSU Denver Linguistics student, you will learn about language and its significance in society. What sounds do humans use to construct the world's languages? What kinds of words do we use? How do words and parts of words come together to structure language, create meaning, influence people, build identities and societies?

Why choose to study language in depth? Not only will Linguistics teach you about what it means to be human, but you will also develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for linguistic diversity that will prepare you for future graduate studies or for careers in business, law, education, criminal justice, education, translation or writing.

Housed in the Department of English, MSU Denver is one of only two schools in Colorado that offers a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics.

CONTACT ADMISSIONS

Benefits of Earning Your Degree at MSU Denver

MSU Denver and the Department of English provide myriad opportunities to acquire relevant career skills and experience through study abroad, MSU Denver’s Undergraduate Research Conference, internships as well as the following:

Career Opportunities for Our Graduates

An MSU Denver bachelor’s degree in Linguistics is excellent preparation for a wide variety of fields that require strong analytic and communication skills. Here are a few Linguistics career pathways:

Linguist

Voice-recognition/voice simulation software developer

Journalist

Law enforcement/forensic linguist

Interpreter/translator

Marketing professional

Public relations executive

Intelligence analyst

Lawyer

Archivist

Fundraiser

Human resources specialist

Lexicographer

Faculty

Marina L. Gorlach

Professor Marina L. Gorlach teaches many general Linguistics courses and is the author of “Phrasal Constructions and Resultativeness in English: A Sign-Oriented Analysis.” She is proficient in Russian, Latin, Hebrew, French and Ukrainian.

Andrew J. Pantos

Associate Professor Andrew J. Pantos teaches a wide variety of Linguistics courses and has authored a number of scholarly articles focusing on language attitudes, sociophonetics and experimental methods in sociolinguistics. Dr. Pantos is a sociolinguist and former attorney with research interests primarily in language variation (both production and perception), forensic linguistics and issues of language, gender and sexuality.

David Mitchell

Assistant Professor David Mitchell was the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant for his Ph.D. research, Aspect vs. Affect in African American Vernacular English.

Alumni at Work

MSU Denver Linguistics program graduates have been hired by the following organizations:

The highly competitive JET program to teach English in Japan

The U.S. military in intelligence/translation

MSU Denver

MSU Denver Linguistics alumni have been accepted for graduate study at various institutions including:

University of Pittsburgh

University of London

University of Alberta

Freiburg University

Monterrey Institute

University of Arizona

University of Wyoming

University of Colorado Boulder

Hofstra University

Sample Classes

As a Linguistics major, you will study phonology, morphology, syntax and other core Linguistics topics, as well as complete two-semesters’ study of another language. These are some other classes you might take:

Facilities and Resources

Study on the Auraria Campus, a diverse complex that houses three colleges and universities including MSU Denver. Located just walking distance from downtown Denver, MSU Denver offers easy access to internships sites, the Colorado State Capitol, museums, theatres and concert venues.